Six of Crows A Darker Shore: Letters from Ketterdam by Leigh Bardugo

 

Six of Crows Book 2.5

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Leigh Bardugo comes a new Grishaverse short story: a mystery told through found documents and set after the events of Crooked Kingdom.

In the years since the violent upheaval caused by the auction of Kuwei Yul-Bo, the merchants of Ketterdam have been under attack. Secret businesses exposed. Ships sunk. Slavers hunted as they once hunted their victims. All the work of a mysterious sea captain and her ship, the Wraith.

Now, two investigators meet to uncover the truth behind the latest disaster: a massacre on an island off the shores of Ketterdam. Among the evidence collected is private correspondence between notorious crime boss Kaz Brekker and an anonymous sailor aboard the Wraith known only as “I.”

Follow along with the lead investigator as he tries to piece together how such a disaster transpired, and explore the Grishaverse like never before with new illustrations by E.K. Belsher and in-world collectible items.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242232422-a-darker-shore

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

We return to the Grishaverse in new and unique way for a short story told through mostly letters of some of my favorite characters. As two investigators meet to learn about the latest disaster in Ketterdam, it gives us a chance to catch catch up with Kaz, Inez, Jesper, and Wylan as they pass letters back and forth between them. Because we all know that anything that goes on in Ketterdam, the Crows are connected in some way. Loved being back in this world, even if it was for a short bit. Beautifully illustrated with some goodies hidden inside, you definitely don’t want to miss your chance on grabbing a copy!

Braided Fate Book 2: Captive Traitor King by Brigid Kemmerer

 

Braided Fate Book 2

Brigid Kemmerer returns with the sizzling, high-stakes sequel to the #1 international bestseller Warrior Princess Assassin—where the betrayals are deeper, the magic burns brighter, and love might be the most dangerous weapon of all.

CAPTIVE. Asher has always sworn loyalty to Jory, the princess he’s loved from afar—but now the King of Incendar has claimed a place in his heart too. Someone wants them both dead, and only Asher’s blade can keep them safe. Yet his past won’t let him go, and he must decide if he can break free—or remain prisoner to his old scars.

TRAITOR. Princess Jory of Astranza agreed to marry the King of Incendar to secure peace, but betrayal runs closer than she ever imagined. With her own brother unmasked as her enemy, two kingdoms teeter on the edge. To protect her people, she must take the throne. But there are still dark secrets to unravel that will force Jory to confront where her true allegiance lies.

KING. Maddox Kyronan has discovered trust—and something more—with his reluctant bride and her deadly protector, but the fragile alliance between their nations threatens to unravel. His people are starving. His enemies are circling in. Torn between the crown and his heart, Ky risks losing it all.

As buried truths surface and tensions reach a breaking point, Jory, Asher, and Ky must confront the desires that could save their kingdoms—or shatter them forever.

TROPES:

Why Choose/polyamorous romanceSecret MagicHidden IdentityHurt/ComfortRoyal-Political SchemingBetrayal/Redemption

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/247546601-captive-traitor-king

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Jory and Asher are desperate to take action after everything they have learned so far. But taking action without a plan isn’t the greatest idea as they are reminded by Ky. The three of them have come along way since they met but there is still a lot of trust to be built. Someone wants them all dead, but figuring out who exactly is behind it all is coming with some complications. They’ll need to work together, learn to trust one another, and figure out how to save their kingdoms. Another book filled with revelations, yet many more questions than answers. We get some pretty great twists too! It’s definitely trick to explain all that is going on without spoilers, so you definitely don’t want to miss out on this newest book in the series! But I loved these three and the relationship they have with one another. It definitely grows stronger in this book between the three of them. It’s clear how much they care for one another and that the three of them being together is what they all want. It will only make them stronger in what is to come. And with that cliffhanger and a pretty big revelation? Well, I cannot wait to see what happens next! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sins of the Father Book 4: Sweet Devotion by Riley Hart

 

Sins of the Father Book 4

When I first laid eyes on Zuri Alexander, I knew she was mine.

And becoming more than friends was just as easy as breathing.

But she doesn’t know my secrets. There’s a dark side to the family business. So, I lie to her to cover it up.

I know she can feel the wall building between us, and I want nothing more than to tear it down…but the only way to do that is to share my truth with her.

That the girl she’s dating is involved in organized crime.

But when Zuri becomes a target of what appears to be some red pill incel, I know we’re the only ones who can keep her safe.

I just hope she can trust me one last time.

Because my devotion to her means there is nothing I won’t do to protect her.

Sweet Devotion is a 24k-word novella that contains violence, an attempted abduction, misogyny, sl*t shaming, and discussion of losing parents.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250383477-sweet-devotion

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This series wouldn’t feel complete unless we got Aislin and Zuri’s story! This was a great novella for these two and see how Aislin finally takes the final step to share what her life is like with Zuri. From the moment, these two met, there were sparks. They got to start as friends before making it so much more. But Aislin will admit she has been holding back. While she can imagine Zuri can guess exactly what her family is like, telling her is different. But she can’t let her fear of losing Zuri keep her from telling the truth. It’s time to take a chance. Zuri knows Aislin hasn’t told her everything but she is there for when she does because she never imagined caring for someone the way she does Aislin. Especially after losing her own family. And when Zuri is threatened, she sees exactly what the O’Sheas are all about when it comes to protecting those they love. Absolutely loved these two! I was so happy to get a novella about them and see them get their happy ending. A great way to end this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Vipers Book 3: Tempting Venom by Rina Kent

 

Vipers Book 3

From New York Times bestselling author Rina Kent comes a nail-biting MM dark romance between two hockey rivals.

When two ruthless enemies collide.

My name is Preston Armstrong, and I’m the most depraved bastard you’ll ever meet.

I take what I want, ruin what I don’t, and live exactly how I please.

That is, until I crash into the force of nature that is Marcus Osborn.

Captain of our rival hockey team, and the perpetual thorn in my side.

A migraine in human form and the one person who refuses to play by my rules.

He’s my brand of heartless and just as deranged.

I set out to crush him, his career, and his infuriatingly gorgeous face.

But Marcus hits back with equal force, turning our rivalry into a violent, addictive dance neither of us can walk away from.

We were supposed to annihilate each other.

Instead, we spark a fire that threatens to devour everything in its path.

In this battle of two unhinged souls, our bodies become collateral damage.

But I never expected our stone-cold hearts to get involved.

Tempting Venom is a male x male college romance. While this book can be read on its own, for a better understanding of the world, it's recommended to read Beautiful Venom & Sweet Venom first.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220735489-tempting-venom

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I have been beyond excited to get my hands on Preston and Marcus’s book and it has arrived! And even better, it was far from disappointing. Time to see what has exactly been going on between these two this entire series. Let’s start with Marcus. Marcus may be an Osborn, but he is essentially the illegitimate son. His mom loves him fiercely and has done what she can to protect him from his dad’s family. His dad has just never been emotionally there for Marcus. But now, years later, Marcus’s dad is trying to bring him into the fold? The reason? No male heirs. Not after Marcus’s half brothers have died. Doesn’t matter. Marcus wants nothing to do with that family. But he doesn’t mind using some connections when it comes to Preston Armstrong. Preston is chaotic and wild and a little unhinged. But that comes from serious trauma in his life. Something that just never truly been addressed in the best of ways throughout the years. But instead of running from it, Marcus seems to only want to come closer. While it may look like they are rivals on and off the ice, and okay they are, it becomes so much more when they cross some lines. Their relationship may seem messy and crazy and so many other things, but in reality… they are the best thing for one another. Marcus is Preston’s safe space, even if it takes him a while to realize it. And Preston is Marcus’s to protect and care for. I just really loved these two. They would do anything for one another and despite the push and pull, they find their way back to one another every time. We also had some great twists and turns in this book as well! While we know some big things from previous books in the series, it was interesting to get Marcus’s and Preston’s povs on it as well. Plus, there are always some good twists that you don’t see coming. My favorite of the three books for sure! 

Roosevelt College Book 2: Until We Meet Again by Christina Lee

 

Roosevelt College Book 2

Bruce “Bones” Lanning and Emil Ettinger had a decent roommate arrangement at Roosevelt College—other than Bones leaving his dirty socks lying around—so they agree to share the same space again. Their relationship has always been ridiculous banter and competitive streaks, and they assume this year will be the same.

So why are they suddenly enjoying nights holed up in their room together?

Bones can’t figure out what’s changed, why he likes being around Emil so much and why he’s suddenly falling asleep in Emil’s bed. And as far as Emil knows, Bones is straight, so why does he seem jealous when Emil arranges a random hookup, then asks all sorts of questions about what it’s like to kiss another guy?

To put an end to his roommate’s endless queries, Emil kisses Bones, convinced he’s just goofing around. But one encounter leads to another, until Emil begins seeing Bones in a different light. Underneath the clueless, carefree facade lies a deeper emotional underpinning that allows Emil to become more vulnerable too—and maybe even admit that spending time with his roommate is the best part of his day.

Still, Emil isn’t about to become another jock’s experiment, so he makes it clear that their hookups are totally casual. Until they’re not.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204192911-until-we-meet-again

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Bones and Emil are always finding ways to compete with one another. And as roommates, it just ups competition between them. Yet, they decide they like one another enough to room again the following year. But something is changing with Bones. He really likes being around Emil more and more. And those times he falls asleep in Emil’s bed after watching one of their favorite shows, are some of his favorite moments. Could his feelings for Emil be more than friends? Could he actually be into guys? Or maybe it is just one guy. Emil can admit that his opinion of Bones has changed a lot since they first met. And when they start hooking up, he knows he has to protect himself from gaining more feelings. He can’t be the guy Bones experiments with then leaves when he is done. But the more he knows about Bones, the more he wonders if Bones could actually be that guy. Can Emil take the risk? These two were a lot of fun! We got to know a lot more about Bones and what he has been going through. And it was sweet that he found someone he could confide in about it. I also loved seeing him find himself. These two had great banter and their competitive streak was hilarious. A fun book all around.

Roosevelt College Book 1: XOXO by Christina Lee

 

Roosevelt College Book 1

Lark Levitt doesn’t belong at Roosevelt College, at least in theory. Most students who attend the private university come from wealthy families, and Lark is only a scholarship and a bus ride away from the trailer park where he lives. It’s also a dream come true because dance is his life, and their program is one of the most prestigious in the country. But there are bumps in the road, like running into someone from a difficult time in his childhood. Someone who now pretends he doesn’t exist.

Henry Albrecht survived childhood cancer and is now a Roosevelt quarterback and model student. His past is something his father insists Henry keep private, and though his dad has his reasons, it makes his remission feel like a dirty secret instead of a triumph. He has few precious memories from that time in his life, except for a kid from the hospital who made his recovery manageable. A kid who’s all grown up now and at Roosevelt, jeopardizing everything Henry’s carefully kept under wraps.

They decide the best course of action is to keep their distance. Easier said than done. Their renewed connection brings solace, clarity, and a raw intensity that awakens a spark between them. But hiding their history is exhausting, and soon enough their secret meetups are in danger of being exposed. Henry will need to face his fears—and his father—or lose the only person who’s ever understood the real him.

* Discussions of cancer treatments and depictions of mental heath struggles 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/180932119-xoxo

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

When Henry and Lark were kids they met in one of the worst places to be. A hospital. They became friends and it was what got them through some pretty rough times. But both left at different times and unable to reconnect. Seven years later, they are reunited at college, both in remission. They beat cancer and now they are living their lives. Mostly. For Henry, it’s a bit more complicated. He came to college with a bit more expectations from his dad. Like being on the football and getting good grades but most importantly, tell no one that he had cancer. His dad may have been trying to protect how people would treat him if they knew, but all Henry feels is stress. Especially when Lark comes to college his sophomore year. He is more than relieved to see Lark again. To know that he is okay after so many years, but he also knows that Lark is a piece of his past that could jeopardize everything going on. And though Henry knows he should stay away, he can’t. Because Lark has always been different to him. And now those feelings that have been pushed down come rushing back. For Lark, coming to college on a dance scholarship is the dream. He may be around a lot of rich kids and he is anything but, but he deserves to be there. He worked hard for it. And seeing Henry again? It brings up a lot of feelings. He may not get what Henry is trying to do thanks to his dad, but he’ll keep their past quiet. But he is just as bad at staying away from Henry as Henry is to him. And soon or later, everyone will start to notice. Great story! Lark and Henry are survivors and it was great to see them fighting for what they wanted. Henry especially. He may have been the most stressed but he was slowly building his way to let his truths be known. These two were just super sweet with one another and I loved how they found their way back to one another too. They more than deserve their happy ending!

Longwood U Book 6: Hush Anonymous by Crea Reitan

 

Longwood U Book 6

He’s mine and I’ll kɪll anyone who touches him.

Kylen

I created Hush Anonymous last year for me. Hanging onto trauma I can’t escape and being ridiculously self-conscious and shy doesn’t exactly create a recipe for losing my virginity. In the darkness where no one can judge me seems like the best place. Yet somehow, I manage to find myself a stalker in the darkness. Which isn’t so bad since he knows exactly how to take care of me.

Arek

My weakness is blushing boys and Kylen is exactly my type. I’m a little late realizing but now that I’ve had a taste, I’ll never let this man go. Thankfully, my stalking game doesn’t last forever and he’s willingly mine. He doesn’t shy away when I tell him I’ll kill anyone who tries to touch him. I bet he didn’t realize that the threat is retroactive.

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This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249498796-hush-anonymous

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Arek and Kylen have known one another for a few years now, but not in a way that truly made them friends or anything. But when Kylen enters Hush Anonymous, a way to hook up but without anyone knowing who they were hooking up with, he never expected to the person he hooks with is Arek. Or that Arek would ever let him go after that. Not that Kylen has any idea at first it is Arek. But the same can’t be said for Arek. He immediately picks up that it is Kylen and something in him settles. Just like his Dad Loren, he found his person and just knew. He just has to wait for Kylen to catch up. He plans to make Kylen his forever, which also comes with protecting Kylen from those who harm him. Including Kylen’s past. I loved these two! First off, if you love Loren Van Doren, then you will love Arek. He is definitely Loren’s son in this story. Following his dad a bit when it comes to falling in love. It was really amusing to watch him follow in his dad’s footsteps. I also loved sweet Kylen, who really has been through some trauma and gains so much confidence as the story goes on because Arek is a safe space for him. They were actually very cute together. And I loved seeing them fall harder for one another as the story went on. Plenty of humor and romance and cameos from lots of beloved characters. I’m sad to hear this is the last Longwood U story, but it’s truly been a great series! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.